London: Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli has been indicted by the Football Association (FA), following his instagram post which appeared to contain anti-Semitic and racist references.
FA revealed in a statement that Liverpool player has allegedly breached its rule E3(1) as his social media post was abusive and/or insulting and/or improper. It further stated that his post was an ‘Aggravated Breach’ under E3(2) as it contained a reference to ethnic origin and/or color and/or race and/or nationality and/or religion or belief, the BBC reported.
The Italian striker posted an image of computer game character Super Mario on Instagram, which included the words ‘jumps like a black man and grabs coins like a Jew.’ Balotelli has also been given time until 15 December to respond to the allegations.
A Liverpool spokesman stated that they accept the FA’s decision, adding that the player would work through the process to answer the allegations.
Earlier, the Italian striker has apologised for the post, adding that it was meant to be anti-racist with humour and that now he understands it could have the opposite effect if said in out of context.
Under the FA’s social media guidelines, a player could face a minimum ban of five games for race-related breaches of rules.
Meanwhile, Balotelli is reportedly likely to stay with the club despite facing an indictment by the Football Association (FA).
Speculations are rife that the Italian striker could be dismissed and allowed to leave the club next year after being hit with an FA charge. However, it has been learned that the club would show patience until the end of season, the Mirror reported.
Though the player has a behavior clause in his contract that allows the club to take disciplinary action against him, it doesn’t extend to social media.
Under the FA’s social media guidelines, a player could face a minimum ban of five games for race-related breaches of rules.
